Sornapuriswarar Temple, Salavakkam, Kanchipuram
Sornapuriswarar
Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Salavakkam Village near
Chengalpet in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is known as
Sornapuriswarar and Mother is known as Anandha
valli.
Legends
Kali slaying Asuras Sumban & Nisumban:
Two
asuras, Sumban and Nisumban, did penance seeking the blessings of Lord Brahma.
When Lord Brahma appeared, they prayed to bless them with the boon that they
should meet their end only in the hands of a virgin appearing from Godess Uma
Devi. Pleased with their penance, Lord Brahma sanctioned their wish. Having
obtained the boon from Lord Brahma, the two asuras became arrogant and started
indulging in all types of evil deeds.
They
declared war against Devas, defeated and made them their slaves and
continuously tortured them. Unable to undergo the sufferings, Devas prayed to
Siva. To answer their prayer, Lord Siva cast his eyes upon his consort, Goddess
Uma Devi and addressed her as Kali. Sri Ambigai transformed her color to black
and took the form of Goddess Kali. She came down to earth and on the banks of
river Palar, created a theertham, after praying to Sri Vinayaga, installed a
Sivalingam and began her penance.
After
many years of penance, Lord Siva appeared before Goddess Kali. His grace
removed her black color and granted golden color. The black color that got out
of Goddess Kali fought with the asuras and destroyed them. Since Sri Ambigai
obtained golden color (Swarna), thereinafter the place was known as Sornapuri.
Arrogance of Lakshmi:
Once
Goddess Lakshmi became arrogant over her beautiful appearance. Because of that,
she was cursed by Sri Vishnu and eventually, she lost her beauty. She came down
to Sornapuri and with the help of Kubera, constructed a pond full of golden
lotus flowers. She prayed to Lord Sornapuriswarar, by offering those golden
lotus flowers and regained her original beauty. Also, Kubera was elevated as
head of all wealth.
Ardent Devotee attained Salvation here:
Sivanesan,
an ardent devotee of Lord Sornapuriswarar, was continuously offering worship in
this temple. Lord Siva granted his Dharshan to Sivanesan and transformed him
into two lingas, namely, Uthira Nadhar and Dakshina Nadhar. Thus, Sivanesan
attained Mukthi (Liberation).
The
Temple
Presiding
Deity is known as Sornapuriswarar and Mother is known as Anandha valli. As Lord Siva ordained, Sri
Bhairavar became the controlling deity of this place. Sri Vinayagar deity,
installed and prayed by Sri Ambigai, is still found in this temple, as Sri
Sakthi Vinayaga.
Prayers
Those
who pray to Sri Sornapuriswarar by lighting ghee lamps (Nei Vilakku) and
offering Vilva leaves (Vilva archanai) will be bestowed with abundant wealth
and excellent health. This prayer is best, if done continuously for 18 Mondays
(Somavaram). If one comes around both Uthira and Dakshina Nathars for 18 times
daily and offers his sincere prayers, it is sure that his cycle of births –
deaths will come to an end and he will attain Mukthi.
Connectivity
Salavakkam
is situated at about 20 Kms away to the West of Chengalpet and 35 Kms to the
East of Kancheepuram.